as a likely cause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a likely cause" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing potential reasons or explanations for a particular situation or outcome. Example: "The researchers identified several factors, with poor diet being highlighted as a likely cause of the health issues observed in the study."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Lack of awareness was suggested as a likely cause.

The Guardian

They also pointed to genetic differences as a likely cause.

The New York Times

Sleep clinicians are advised to consider depression as a likely cause of sleepiness and fatigue.

Sleep Medicine Reviews

Mutation signature analysis implicated oxidative stress associated with reprogramming as a likely cause of point mutations.

Cell Reports

Many gloomy forecasters see water as a likely cause of future wars.

The Economist

For one, protein misfolding during transcription has been suggested as a likely cause of some human diseases such as Alzheimer's.

Harvard University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Most ironic is the growing controversy over the relevance of DCA to human cancer, in which it is viewed as both a likely cause (IARC 2004) and a possible treatment (Michelakis et al. 2010).

Environmental Health Perspectives

As abdominal trauma is a likely cause of intestinal cell damage, the relation between abdominal trauma and intestinal cell damage was then investigated.

Critical Care

This study graded levels of suboptimal care as an unlikely, possibly or a likely cause of the adverse perinatal outcome.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Rather, it notes that two thirds of the world's methane releases come from the tropics, not the temperate latitudes, leading the researchers to single out the agricultural sector as a more likely cause of the growth — a conclusion that may prove contentious, as this remains a matter of major debate.

The Washington Post

Between the time of Pulos and Hutt's study in 1969 and the beginning of molecular-level research into dominant white in the 21st century, a pattern known as "Sabino" became regarded by some as a more likely cause of white phenotypes.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a likely cause", ensure that you have supporting evidence or reasoning to justify the claim. Avoid presenting it as a definitive explanation without proper backing.

Common error

Avoid presenting something "as a likely cause" if it's merely a speculative possibility. Ensure the likelihood is supported by evidence, not just conjecture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a likely cause" functions as an introductory phrase identifying a potential reason or explanation for a particular phenomenon or situation. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable in written English. The examples on Ludwig demonstrate its usage in varied contexts such as medicine, environmental science, and economics.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

44%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as a likely cause" is a grammatically sound and commonly used way to introduce a potential explanation or contributing factor. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It's important to use this phrase when you have some evidence or reasoning, but cannot definitively prove the cause. The phrase is prevalent in both scientific and news contexts, suggesting its versatility. Remember to avoid overstating the certainty of the cause and use alternatives like "as a probable reason" or "as a potential factor" when appropriate. Ensure that the context supports the likelihood before using the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a probable reason

Replaces "likely" with "probable", indicating a slightly higher degree of certainty.

as a potential factor

Substitutes "cause" with "factor", broadening the scope from a direct cause to a contributing element.

as a possible explanation

Replaces "cause" with "explanation", focusing on the interpretative aspect rather than direct causation.

as a plausible source

Changes "likely cause" to "plausible source", highlighting the origin or agent from which something may arise.

as a suspected origin

Replaces "likely cause" with "suspected origin", implying a tentative or unconfirmed beginning.

as a contributing element

Focuses on the contributory nature of the factor, rather than it being the sole cause.

as an influential aspect

Highlights the impact or sway of the factor, rather than its direct causality.

as a primary driver

Emphasizes the driving force or impetus behind a phenomenon.

as a major determinant

Highlights the decisive or controlling nature of the factor.

as a noteworthy influence

Replaces "cause" with "influence", stressing the impact on something.

FAQs

How can I use "as a likely cause" in a sentence?

Use "as a likely cause" to introduce a potential reason or explanation for an event or condition. For example: "The researchers identified poor diet "as a likely cause" of the observed health issues."

What are some alternatives to saying "as a likely cause"?

You can use alternatives like "as a probable reason", "as a potential factor", or "as a possible explanation" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "as a likely cause"?

It's appropriate when you have some evidence or reasoning to suggest a particular factor is a plausible explanation, but you can't definitively prove it. It implies a degree of probability without absolute certainty.

What's the difference between "as a likely cause" and "as a definitive cause"?

"As a likely cause" suggests a probable explanation, whereas "as a definitive cause" indicates a proven and certain explanation. Using "definitive" implies a higher level of certainty and supporting evidence.